JUST when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, we have another whale tale for you.

Fecklessly imagining we had exhausted the subject of whale-based York exhibitions, this terrific photograph dropped into our inbox before you could say "Moby Dick".

It comes courtesy of York historian Hugh Murray, whose ability to conjure up images and information on almost any city subject verges on the supernatural.

The picture dates from 1905. Unlike Jonah, the dead whale from Norway which was dragged around York on the back of a wagon, this beast made its way here under its own steam.

The young white whale had swum up the River Ouse to Naburn Lock. Before it could enjoy York's ancient charms, however, it was shot dead. (They took a firmer line with tourists in those days.)

The creature was put on display in the Pack Horse pub in Micklegate, York. This stood between St John's Church and George Hudson Street until 1957, when it fell victim to a road-widening scheme.

Initially, the whale was quite a draw, but after a week, the deteriorating 12ft-long, 50-stone corpse began to deter custom. So the pub presented it to the Yorkshire Philosophical Museum, which must have been delighted.

Says Hugh: "I don't know if they still have it. Presumably, if they do, it will be in skeletal form."

FANCY really splashing out on your loved one for St Valentine's Day? Then why not book them into the De Vere Oulton Hall Hotel, near Leeds. The special offer includes limousine return travel, a helicopter ride, personal butler service, a massage, candlelit dinner and (most romantically of all) unlimited rounds of golf. We'll tell you why not. It costs £4,950. For one night.

At that obscene price, the Diary would expect the champagne to be replaced by the elixir of eternal life. And no golf.

On our budget we are more likely to follow the recommendation of another Valentine's press release, which promises that: "Stilton cheese is the secret to an amorous evening" ( the Stilton Cheese Makers Association).

Fancy a bit of blue?

Updated: 10:40 Friday, February 10, 2006